Hanna's nephew to run for Congress

Friday

Nov 30, 2007 at 12:01 AMNov 30, 2007 at 2:38 PM

Local businessman Richard Hanna is looking at the possibility of running for the 24th Congressional District seat in 2008, he confirmed Thursday night. The seat is currently held by U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri, D-Utica.

JENNIFER FUSCO

Local businessman Richard Hanna is looking at the possibility of running for the 24th Congressional District seat in 2008, he confirmed Thursday night.

“This is new for me,” the Republican said. “It's a big undertaking, and I'm just trying to explore and understand it.”

U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri, D-Utica, currently holds the seat. Arcuri is seeking another term, although he has not made the formal announcement, spokeswoman Marion Reed said.

“The Congressman is honored to serve this district and will continue to focus on the lives of local families, regardless of what the ballot looks like next year,” she said.

When reached at home around 5 p.m. Thursday, Hanna said he is in the process of establishing an exploratory committee, but would not discuss further his reasons for considering running.

“Something like that isn't something I'm prepared to answer over the phone,” he said.

Hanna, 56, said he has been considering running for several months.

He has toured around the district, and is looking at what a Congressional campaign entails, he said.

Hanna has residences in Cooperstown and Barneveld and is the president of Hanna Construction in Barneveld.

Oneida County Republican Chairman Mark Scheidelman said Hanna could be a great candidate.

“He's been a successful businessman with a great reputation,” he said. “He expressed to me his interest, and he feels he would be a good candidate to win the seat back.”